Elected officials and Brooklyn residents rallied Tuesday outside of the National Grid headquarters demanding Gov. Kathy Hochul step in and stop the gas bill hike that they say violates current climate laws in New York City.

Demonstrators told News 12 that they feel the utility has been dishonest about its intentions – specifically when it comes to both storing and transporting liquified natural gas in Brooklyn.

Thirty-three elected officials sent the governor a letter calling for her to halt the rate hike and review the order, which they say is in violation of a city law that makes it illegal for liquified natural gas to be transported and stored. National Grid is seeking permits to do so.

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and state Sen. Julia Salazar says the clock is ticking.

“It means we are having another toxic storage plant in our community that has a long legacy of environmental pollution and environmental health harms,” says Gallagher.

Salazar says the planned rate hike is being put into place to “fund this pipeline.”

National Grid sent News 12 a statement on the issue:

“The three-year investment plan is the product of two years of extensive negotiations and collaboration among stakeholders. The plan provides balance for our customers, allowing us to prioritize energy affordability while investing in programs necessary to maintain the safety and reliability of our networks and implement new programs to accelerate decarbonization and the transition to a cleaner energy future. The benefits are substantial: rates frozen for one year, new programs to support vulnerable customers – including customers experiencing financial hardships for the first time because of COVID, an unprecedented set of commitments to advance the State’s climate goals and reduce emissions. We are pleased to have worked with our key stakeholders, including the New York State Department of Public Service to reach an agreement that supports our customers and is consistent with the requirements of the CLCPA.”